Developed for individuals living with dementia and their relatives in Berlin, the Resonare – A Journey into Memory with Music project reveals the healing and unifying power of music. Individuals with mild to moderate dementia and their families come together every Wednesday in Berlin to share a common musical experience with German and Turkish songs.
The activities held at Komische Oper Berlin concluded their final session this week due to the institution entering its seasonal break. The group will reconvene and continue its musical activities as of September 2026.
Implemented in collaboration with Charité and Komische Oper
The Resonare project was developed in collaboration with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Memory Clinic (Gedächtnissprechstunde), which conducts studies aimed at strengthening memory, and Komische Oper Berlin.
The project, launched as a pilot program, is supported by the Manfred Strohscheer Stiftung.
Resonare is implemented as a music-based social and therapeutic support program for dementia patients and their relatives. The project does not aim to cure dementia; instead, it aims to strengthen individuals' social connections, support their communication, and improve their quality of life through music.
A Special Social Project Scientifically Monitored
The Charité Memory Clinic not only supports the project but also conducts its scientific evaluation process. Within the scope of the research, it is examined whether music activates memory, how it contributes to the quality of life, and its effects on social interaction.
The main objectives of the project include:
- Reviving past memories through music
- Increasing joy of life
- Reducing the burden on dementia patients and their caregivers
- Preventing social isolation
- Strengthening communication through shared experiences
Considered one of the successful examples where art and medicine come together, Resonare re-emphasizes the emotional and social role of music in human life.
Turkish Resonare Group Strengthens Cultural Ties
One of the striking aspects of the project is its inclusive structure for different cultures. In addition to three German groups, a specially formed Turkish Resonare group conducts activities for dementia patients of Turkish origin and their relatives.
The musical direction of the Turkish group is undertaken by music teacher, choir and vocal coach Yelda Özdemir and bağlama artist and instructor Ali Aşık.
Yelda Özdemir draws attention to the project's mother-tongue music approach, emphasizing the following:
“The program is free of charge. This work is implemented with the idea that songs sung in one's mother tongue can more powerfully trigger long-term memory and emotional recollections.”
Participants not only sing; they also attend opera performances together, participate in special concerts suitable for dementia patients, and are encouraged to actively engage in cultural life.
Music Creates a Common Meeting Ground for Patients and Their Relatives
The Resonare project aims to support not only individuals living with dementia but also their relatives who provide care. The program aims to facilitate quality time with family members and establish strong social bonds.
The project team states that making music together stirs the human spirit, emphasizing that music creates strong bonds among people.
Thanks to the activities conducted with Turkish songs, participants collectively experience music's positive effect on memory, its emotional power, and its balancing quality.
Joint Concert from Turkish and German Groups
Last week, within the scope of Resonare, the Turkish group held a special concert together with the German group. Participants sang together at the joint event held in the Evangelische Kirche in Kladow Gemeindehaus hall in Berlin Kladow.
Choir instructor Yelda Özdemir stated that she sees music as an important tool that strengthens social participation, builds bridges between cultures, and supports the quality of life.
Bağlama instructor Ali Aşık, on the other hand, stated that he brings together the traditional and cultural richness of Turkish folk music with modern interpretations, adding that music is an important bridge for preserving cultural heritage and establishing strong bonds among people.
Invitation to Resonare Activities
The Resonare project group continues its activities every Wednesday at 4:30 PM at Komische Oper (Schillertheater), Schillerstraße 9, 10625 Berlin.
Dementia patients, their relatives, and anyone wishing to be part of a supportive community through music are invited to the project.
Contact and Registration
Contact:
Anouk Kopps
Phone: (0)30 20 260 278
Email: [email protected]
Işıl Berat Beydağ Paker/Berlin
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